Amy Thomson - Through Alien Eyes

Juna stared at the floor, her face hot with shame. “No, ma’am, I did not.”

“Thank you, Dr. Saari. That is all I have to say to you at this time,” Commander Sussman said stiffly. “Dismissed.”

The Survey shut down all the comm channels. Only the commander could call out or receive calls. Morale plummeted. Some of the crew began pointedly avoiding Juna and Moki.

Five days later, Commander Sussman called a general meeting of the entire crew.

“Due to the controversy surrounding the recent news report about the quarantine, the union has expressed concerns about conditions aboard ship,” she began, carefully avoiding Juna’s gaze. “An inspection team from the union will be coming aboard tomorrow. We are expected to assist them in their investigation.”

A murmur of excitement passed through the assembled crew. Juna’s heart soared like a white-winged bird. Analin had come through for them. This was their chance to get out of quarantine!

Sussman waited until the murmuring died down. “We’ve been through some pretty difficult times these past few weeks. I’m sure many of you have statements to make to the union representatives. I want to remind you that all claims made to the union must be provable. Rumors and opinions will only weaken our case. If any of you have any formal protests to file, please get your proof ready to present.

“I want to thank all of you for your very hard work. The ship looks as if it was newly commissioned. While I haven’t done any inspection of your personal quarters, I expect they’ll look as good as the rest of the ship.”

The crew smiled good-naturedly at the commander’s veiled order.

“If any of you have any questions about how to file a protest, you should ask your union shop-stewards. Any other questions should be directed to your staff officers. Thank you all very much for your patience and hard work during this quarantine. I’m proud of you.” She gave them a stiffly correct military salute. “Dismissed.”

As Juna filed out with Moki, Dr. Caisson intercepted her.

“The commander would like a word with you in her office, if you have a moment.”

“Thank you, Doctor, please tell her that I will be there.”

Commander Sussman stood as Juna came into her office. “Congratulations, Dr. Saari. That article stirred up quite a controversy. I’ve been catching all kinds of official hell for this.” The commander frowned ruefully.

“I’m sorry,” Juna apologized.

“I’m not,” Commander Sussman said bluntly. “This is my ship and my crew, and we’ve been treated very badly for the sake of the Expansionists’ political convenience. This quarantine was absolutely inexcusable. I hope the union kicks the Survey’s ass.” She paused, smiling ironically. “I didn’t invite you here for a tirade, Doctor. I wanted to apologize for losing my temper last week.”

Juna shrugged. “I’m sorry you were involved. I took an inexcusable risk with you and your crew.”

“Well, it got results,” Sussman admitted. “Have you given any thought to what you’re going to say to the union officials?”

“I don’t really know what they’re going to ask,” Juna replied.

“They’re probably going to focus much of their attention on you and the aliens. Legally, I can’t advise you on what to say, but I do urge you to be prepared to make the best case you can. If this doesn’t work— ”

Juna nodded. “There’s a lot at stake. I’ll do my best, ma’am, for you and all the crew, as well as for the Tendu.”

The commander looked straight at her. For a moment, her mask slipped, and Juna could see the toll that this quarantine had taken on her.

“Thank you, Juna. Let’s hope this works.”

Juna was there with Moki, Commander Sussman, Dr. Caisson, and First Mate Vargo when the e-suited inspection team came aboard with their security escort.

The leader of the team approached Juna, hand outstretched in greeting. “Dr. Saari, I presume? I’m Mark Manning, president of ISEWU,” tie said, shaking her hand. “It’s an honor to meet you. And is this Moki?” Manning sounded hoarse and a bit out of breath.

Juna nodded and introduced him to her bami. She watched as Manning turned to greet the ship’s officers. The president of the union had come for this inspection. They must be taking this very seriously indeed.

The introductions over, Manning turned to Sussman.

“Commander Sussman, before we interview the crew we’d like to see the ship, and speak with your medical officer.”

“Of course, Mr. Manning. This way please.”

They showed Manning and the other union representatives around the ship. Manning watched attentively and occasionally murmured remarks into his suit recorder.

“Dr. Caisson, I understand that you used to work at the Center for Contagious Diseases.”

“Yes, Mr. Manning. I was the head researcher in their xenomicrobiology department, before requesting a posting here on the Homa Darabi. I wanted a chance to conduct more research in the field.”

“Louise’s experience in xenobiology was one of the reasons that we were selected to go to Tiangi,” Commander Sussman explained.

“I see. That’s very interesting. And since the Tendu arrived, there’s been no illness on board ship?”

“None at all. We followed careful decontamination procedures, and there were very few pathogens on board when we left Earth. There were a few colds on the way out, but nothing at all on the way back.”

“Mm-mhm. I see. Would it be possible to meet the other Tendu now?” he asked.

“Of course, Mr. Sussman,” Juna said. “This way.”

The group followed Juna into the garden where Ukato-nen was sleeping, hooked up to an array of beeping medical monitors.

“This is a voluntary state?” Manning asked Moki.

“He decided to go to sleep and wait until we were let out of the ship,” Moki agreed.

“He’s all right otherwise?”

Moki nodded. “He just needs to be some place with trees and plants.”

“Dr. Caisson,” Manning asked, “have you found any organic cause for Ukatonen’s condition?”

“No,” the medical officer replied. “I’ve been monitoring Ukatonen ever since he went to sleep. I ran extensive blood tests, and aside from being a bit underweight, he seems healthy. He is in quite a remarkable state. His entire metabolism is running much slower than usual, but otherwise he appears normal. His brain seems to be deeply asleep. Moki feeds him and filters wastes out of his system via his spurs. If we could replicate this state of stasis, we could drastically cut the cost of space travel. We wouldn’t need to feed and amuse our passengers. Think what it would mean for transporting colonists to Terra Nova, or even Mars.”

“Are you sure that you’re not an Expansionist, Dr. Caisson?”

The doctor raised her eyebrows. “I’m not paranoid or bigoted enough to be an Expansionist,” she replied.

Juna saw Commander Sussman smile at that remark.

“I see,” Manning said once again. “Well, I’m convinced that there’s nothing wrong with the Tendu.”

He reached up and undogged his helmet.

“What are you doing!” the security escort shouted, reaching for Manning as he lifted his helmet off and shook loose his lion’s mane of fiery red hair.

“Violating quarantine,” Manning said in an amused tone of voice. “I’d let go of my arm if I were you. Roughing up the president of ISEWU wouldn’t be a good idea. The crew of the Homa Darabi Maru needs an on-site union observer to ensure that their rights aren’t being violated. Given the situation, it wouldn’t be right to ask a subordinate to risk violating quarantine, so I’m volunteering for the job.”